Rob Bell used this phrase to describe how churches sometimes treat pastors. Passive aggressive behavior, rude comments, failure to work with, can all take it's toll on a minister.
It is also true that churches can provide death by papercuts to members. In an arena where an organization is nothing without it's constituents, the church is notorious for driving people away, one papercut at a time.
I know a lot of people who have given up on the church. Most of them don't have one big story, just fifty little ones...
- the church couldn't stop fighting about homosexuality
- changes were made without the congregation being included
- I'm expected to give but finances are a secret
- only the top leaders really knew what was going on
- the district treats us like we are cattle
- watching how some members treat the pastor
- denominations covering up abuse
- preaching love but delivering guilt
- promoting a completely ineffective person
- thinking that the pomp and circumstance and the vestments would cover the brokenness
- not admitting to any imperfections
- doing what was easy and convenient instead of what was good
On and on it goes. Death by papercuts. Most people don't leave the church for one reason, they leave for the cumulation of 50 little ones.
If you are a church leader, please reach for health. Please think in terms of building relational consensus. Everyone matters.
If you are a member, hang in there. Until something else comes along, the church is all that we have.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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I am, along with Sherri Swanson and Aaron Brown, leading a trip to the Holy Land January 23-February 2, 2023.
For more information, click the link below. And if you have any questions, please feel free to email me at jsbrink57@gmail.com
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